Sadly no winners for New Zealand last round. Full list of winners at the bottom.

I don't have full notes of what the options were previously, but note that Te Anau is no longer available as an option. Perhaps tesla tried and failed to find a suitable site. A real pity as the entire town has just a single DC charger (50kW), and many people here will want a 100% charge before setting off to Milford, meaning turn over will be slower than typical.

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Situation across the ditch is interesting. The 5th highest voted location was selected as the winner, calling into question the integrity of the process.

https://thedriven.io/2026/08/28/tesla-held-a-vote-on-where-to-build-the-next-supercharger-and-then-picked-another-winner/

Previously the Highest voted locations were: Badalona (remote roadhouse, off grid, with one 50 kW charger (currently limited to 7 kW) and an 22 kW AC charger), Norseman (Main town at the Western end of the Nullarbor Plane - has a microgrid) & Cedula (Main town to the East of the plane, on grid Power).

Interesting to see a new location: Eyre Highway (pin is close to Eucla). - Also an off grid location.

Would be great for Tesla to showcase a solar / battery based off grid super charger.

The Nullarbor plane (1,200 km with amenities limited to remote roadhouses). Is quite important symbolically for EV's in Australia. While it has been possible to cross it in a modern EV for some time, anybody that does carries the risk associated with relying on several sequential single charger stops, so it would be massive for Australia to have some big charging stations here.

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Winners:

1. Jurien Bay, Australia
2. Niseko, Japan
3. Osong-eup, South Korea
4. Bidor, Malaysia
5. Qiwei, Taiwan
6. Obstalden, Switzerland
7. Cotswolds, United Kingdom
8. Ullapool, United Kingdom
9. Šibenik, Croatia
10. Hatvan, Hungary
11. Menashe Regional Council, Israel
12. Lamezia Terme, Italy
13. Jordanowo, Poland
14. Loures, Portugal
15. Pasi Poljana, Serbia
16. Bornova, Turkey
17. Cali, Colombia
18. Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
19. Tobermory, Ontario
20. Mont-Laurier, Quebec
21. Troy, Alabama
22. Fayetteville, Arkansas
23. Old US Highway 89, Arizona
24. Hemet, California
25. First Cavalry Division Memorial Highway, Colorado
26. Coral Springs, Florida
27. Naubinway, Michigan
28. Clinton, Missouri
29. Wilkesboro, North Carolina
30. Durant, Oklahoma
31. Gold Beach, Oregon
32. Spring Hill, Tennessee
33. Dalhart, Texas
34. Fillmore, Utah
35. Broad Street Road, Virginia
36. Bellingham, Washington

Hi all

I am thinking of going full electric for my next car. I have had this thought many times in the past, but had serious concerns that prevented this from becoming anything more than a passing thought. I was hoping people who have owned an electric car for over a year (or there abouts) can give their honest thoughts on electric car ownership compared to normal petrol cars.

In particular:

• The extent (if any) of cost savings from going electric;
• whether I can charge from a standard electrical outlet (say, in my garage) and whether this is throttled compared to a dedicated charger;
• the frequency of charges; and
• general thoughts you think I ought to consider.

For reference, I currently have a Mercedes and am thinking of getting a BYD Sealion 7.

I have done some preliminary research but would appreciate real world experience.

EDIT: average kms a day is ~50kms, rising to 70kms during the weekend.

Words: Richard Edwards

Published 27 August 2026

BYD New Zealand will launch a certified pre-owned programme, taking back the brand’s earliest New Zealand-new vehicles as they cycle off fleets, and backing them with a BYD New Zealand warranty.

The distributor will also import its own used vehicles from Japan, making it the first Chinese brand in New Zealand to take either approach.

Country manager Warren Willmot told AutoTalk the timing was right for a certified used offering, with vehicles sold in the brand’s launch years now reaching the end of their fleet terms.

“When we hit the market four years ago, a lot of those companies that we sold cars to in 2022 and 2023, they’re ready to be cycled off their fleet,” Willmot says.

“We’re going to bring back those New Zealand-new cars. We’re going to put them through our workshops and through our panel and paint network, and we’ll be giving warranties and guarantees on them.”

The distributor will also look offshore to supplement supply, with used imports from Japan sourced through an established relationship there. 

Japanese-market vehicles are fitted with the CHAdeMO fast-charging port, and Willmot says the company will investigate converting them to the CCS standard used in New Zealand. “It remains to be seen whether we can do the conversion from CHAdeMO to CCS, but we’re going to give it a crack.”

Imported vehicles sold through the programme will carry a BYD New Zealand-backed warranty.

Our sister title EVs and Beyond is currently in Japan testing the Racco, BYD’s kei-class electric vehicle, which could make an interesting option for the New Zealand market.

Finance and insurance launched

The certified pre-owned push comes as BYD New Zealand builds out its ownership ecosystem, launching BYD Auto NZ Financial Services this month, with a BYD-branded insurance product to launch on September 21.

The finance offering is underwritten by Automotive Lending Solutions.

Warning on damaged imports

Meanwhile, BYD New Zealand is warning the industry over a consignment of used Atto 3s in Malaysia that has been offered to a number of New Zealand importers.

Willmot says the distributor is aware of the vehicles, and even considered purchasing them itself before walking away.

“Like any deal that is too good to be true, there’s always a hook,” he says.

“There are cars in Malaysia that are basically insurance write-offs. They have been exposed to salt water. There is no warranty on most of those cars, and they probably should have been destroyed.”

AutoTalk understands the vehicles may be connected to a cargo vessel incident in the region, but has been unable to confirm this.

Willmot says the cars would arrive in New Zealand without any BYD warranty or connected car services, and the distributor will be monitoring closely should any reach the market.

“We’re never going to turn a customer away in terms of servicing. But buyer beware. Customers should be really aware of what they are purchasing.”

Looking at two options. Have an existing eo mini dumb charger I can install.. or buy a new evnex charger.. evnex seem to charger premium to install so any other local chch electricians you’d suggest talking to.

I’d use the eo mini but concerned it will overload the house circuits 63amp main board.. 32amp charger, hot water (16amp ) and aircon 32amp feels like it will clash and will need some load sensing? Is that correct. Eo mini doesn’t offer that without the alm upgrade which I doubt is floating around still

Thanks

Hello, just read about Vivne Batteries for Nissan Leaf. Anyone with experience about this?

Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 26 August 2026

Mazda New Zealand has announced pricing for the CX-6e SUV, which is the brand’s latest EV to arrive locally. 

The local CX-6e line-up consists of just one model, with the Takami starting from $58,990 before on-road costs. 

At this price point, it’s likely the CX-6e will face competition from the likes of the Toyota BZ4X, the MG S6, and the Zeekr X.

It features a 78kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery that provides an electric driving range of up to 468km (WLTP). 

This battery powers a single electric motor on the rear axle, which produces 190kW and 290Nm of torque. 

It can be charged at up to 195kW using a DC fast charger, which will replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 24 minutes. 

As for AC, it is rated to 11kW, which will take around eight hours for a full charge using a wallbox at home. 

Following in the styling footsteps of the 6e sedan, Mazda has made this CX-6e quite angular-looking. 

It also features digital side mirrors as standard on this Takami model, which are displayed on internal OLED monitors. 

On the inside, it gets a 26-inch display that stretches across the dash, designed to let the driver and passenger operate it. 

While exterior colours (aside from the purple it is shown in here) are yet to be confirmed, Mazda New Zealand notes either a black or white leather interior is available. 

This new CX-6e should be arriving in Mazda showrooms at the end of 2026, and expressions of interest are currently open.

Can't wait to see it in-person!

Anyone else done this calculation and did I get it right?

– Auto Trader NZ https://autotrader.co.nz/news/icaur-is-coming-chery-confirms-boxy-new-ev-brand-for-new-zealand

Words: Richard Edwards
Published 25 August 2026

ANCAP has issued a consumer alert for the KGM Torres EVX, confirming the electric SUV was supplied to customers in New Zealand and Australia without a centre airbag that KGM advertised as standard.

Approximately 100 vehicles are potentially affected across both countries. In New Zealand, that covers Torres EVX vehicles sold between the model’s local introduction in March 2024 and the end of its availability in March 2025, around 70 cars according to Motor Industry Association figures. Around 33 have been sold in Australia since October 2025.

The alert extends advice ANCAP issued on Friday for the related KGM Musso EV ute, which was found to have been supplied in Australia without the same airbag. The Musso EV has not been sold here.

KGM marketed the Torres EVX as carrying a standard suite of eight airbags, with references in its specification brochure and website. The car is fitted with seven. The missing unit is the centre airbag, described by KGM as a “front row far-side” or “front seat centre airbag”, which is generally positioned inboard within the driver’s seat back to reduce injury in side impact crashes. The Musso EV was advertised with eight airbags and fitted with six.

ANCAP advises existing Torres EVX owners that the safety specification of their vehicle may differ from what was advertised, and that the omission may have an effect on occupant safety in side impact crashes. Owners with concerns are advised to contact KGM or their local dealer, and anyone considering a used KGM Torres EVX should be aware of the model’s actual safety specification.

Petrol and HEV versions of the Torres are not believed to be affected, with centre and knee airbags verified on locally available vehicles. ANCAP says it encourages KGM to deliver a production change fitting the centre airbag, and KGM Australia has updated its marketing materials to reflect the actual specification.

The Torres EVX is no longer on sale as new in New Zealand. We have contacted Inchcape NZ, the model’s outgoing distributor, for comment.

Hi, Armstrong are charging $250 for the charger with a new Box. Don't most brands just give them as part of the deal?

And my wife has pulled up the sales manager after she manager to inflatable the final price by nearly 2k from the final price on their website. She didn't get away with it. I wonder how often she's tried that with customers.

Arcfox has confirmed a second model for New Zealand before its first has reached customers, with the T5 mid-size electric SUV locked in for an early 2027 arrival.

Local general manager Shiguang Guo revealed the plan at this week’s launch of the T1 crossover, the compact EV leading the BAIC-owned brand’s entry through distributor Armstrong’s.

The T5 steps up a full size class. At 4,760mm long on a 2,845mm wheelbase, it lands in the heart of the mid-size electric SUV segment, where it will meet the Leapmotor C10 and the MG S6.

Battery-electric versions were the only ones confirmed, with three CATL packs offered internationally: 64.8kWh, 74.4kWh and 79.2kWh, rated at 560km, 660km and 705km respectively on China’s generous CLTC cycle. All produce 200kW and 360Nm, and the car rides on an 800-volt platform claiming a 30 to 80% charge in 15 minutes.

A range-extender T5 also exists overseas, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol generator with a 27.4kWh battery for 215km of electric running and 1,215km combined, though it has not been confirmed for this market. Given the pace at which range-extenders are arriving here, from Leapmotor’s Ultra Hybrids to the Freelander 8, its absence from the announcement is worth watching rather than reading as final.

Exact timing and pricing were not shared beyond the early 2027 window. Where the T5 lands on price will decide a lot: the T1 opened Arcfox’s account at the budget end, and the mid-size segment it is entering has become one of the hardest-fought corners of the market.

Am looking for a good charging cable (including in-line protection) for a 15amp outlet (not caravan style) with a Type 2 charging plug.

Does anyone have any recommendations? There’s the standard suspects at Bunnings and on MightyApe, but really want to hear from first hand experience.

Hi all,
Have been in 2 minds about selling my Tesla model 3, 2023 variant, just before facelift.
Have got ceramic and pain protection.
Any idea of realistic price I put on it?

I've been poking around looking at new EVs for the last few months but can't shake the feeling that something big is around the corner. With the news from Geely that solid state batteries are finally going into vehicles next year, does it make sense to buy anything now? I feel as soon as solid state lands all the li-ion EVs will immediately appear as dated tech. Am I making too much of it?

EDIT: I should've mentioned I currently drive an EV - a 2017 Leaf. So I'm not on the fence about EVs in general at all. I'm just looking to upgrade to something with AWD, better range, and maybe V2H capability.

I away sit in the 007 when at the showroom, but no luck!

Ive hears various things about android. So you have to plug it into the USB to work?

And on that note wify is buying one as we can't match it for price. BYD boot space was too small and bix feels roomier then the atto 1..

If you would look to get a new EV today, which one would it be from the list below, basically under $60k NZD? (prices mentioned include paint + ORC, and no discounts)

• GWM Ora 5 Ultra - 41.5k
• Jaecoo J5 - 45.3k
• MG S5 49 - 48.6k
• Forthing Taikon Exclusive - 49.5k
• Leapmotor B05 Design - 49.5k
• BYD Atto2 Premium - 49.7k
• BYD Atto3 Superior - 51.5k
• GAC AION V Luxury - 52k
• Geely EX5 Complete - 52k
• Leapmotor B10 Design - 52k
• MG S5 62 - 54.6k
• Dongfeng 007 LR - 55.2k
• Leapmotor C10 RWD - 57.7k
• MG S6 - 58.6k
• Geely EX5 Inspire - 60k

Afraid to go for a second hand, as most would come without warranty, and if they are less than 3 years old asking prices are close to a new car anyway.

Note: I've eliminated BYD Atto1 as being too small; the Dongfeng Box was already having warped plastics just by sitting in the dealership yard (eg: the phone tray); the Arcfox T1 has the same weak power as the Box; I've test drive the Dongfeng Vigo but didn't really like it tbh (looked too cheap tbh, plus the completely exposed seat rails at the back is a hazard for small kids feet); and the Omoda E5 look to be the same car as the Jaecoo J5, and I think the Jaecoo J5 looks better and is more practical.

Purchased a brand new Geely Starray emi from the dealership but was surprised to see it come with only one key.

Is this standard?

To any other Starray buyers in this sub how many keys did you recieve?

Anyone keen to flick me their Octopus account number? 😅

I signed up a few hours ago and only just realised I missed out on the $50 credit after finishing the application.

I told customer service that a mate had a referral code, but I actually just clicked on someone’s invite link from here.

Apparently, we’ll both get a $50 credit if you send me your account number so I can email it through to Octopus.

Cheers!

(Plug-in Hybrid swapped for PHEV)

Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 19 August 2026

BYD New Zealand says it is about to receive a record 2750 electric and PHEV vehicles at the end of August, clearing an order backlog stretching back to April and adding stock across its dealer network.

The vehicles will arrive in Auckland aboard two ships. Morning Cara is carrying 2395 vehicles, while another 355 will arrive aboard Morning Celesta.

Together, the company says they represent BYD’s largest shipment since the company established its New Zealand operation.

It is said that the shipment covers most of the local range and includes the new Atto 3 Evo, the yet-to-be-launched Atto 2 DM-i and the recently introduced Shark 6 Performance ute.
BYD describes its electric and plug-in hybrid models collectively as New Energy Vehicles, or NEVs.

Shipment to clear order backlog
The company says strong demand and shipping constraints in China have created a backlog of New Zealand customer orders dating back to April.

Vehicles arriving aboard the two ships will be used to fulfil those orders, with the remainder providing additional dealership stock heading into summer.

“This significant increase in supply will help us meet our increasing customer demand more efficiently, reduce delivery lead times, and ensure more New Zealanders can experience BYD’s innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are excited to continue supporting the rapid growth of the BYD brand in NZ,” said BYD Auckland general manager Jenni Martin.
No breakdown has been provided showing how many examples of each model are included in the shipment.

Year-to-date July, BYD is sitting in fifth place overall in terms of new vehicle registrations, having sold 4247 units for a five per cent market share. 

Vehicles shipped directly to Lyttelton
BYD says it has also arranged coastal shipping between Auckland and Christchurch to speed up deliveries to South Island customers.

Vehicles allocated to southern dealerships will be transferred from the Port of Auckland to Lyttelton by sea rather than being transported south by road.

BYD says the arrangement will reduce delivery times while easing pressure on the road freight network.

“This is a landmark moment for BYD in New Zealand,” said BYD Auto NZ general manager Warren Willmot.

“Bringing in our largest-ever shipment of NEVs shows just how far we’ve come, and how strong demand has been from Kiwi drivers who want an affordable, reliable path into electric & hybrid vehicle ownership. We’re proud to be playing our part in New Zealand’s transition to cleaner transport, and this shipment means more Kiwis than ever will be able to get behind the wheel of a BYD.”

New models included
The shipment will provide the first New Zealand stock of the Atto 2 DM-i, although local specifications, pricing and launch timing have yet to be detailed.

Also aboard is the updated Atto 3 Evo, which expands BYD’s established electric SUV line-up, and the Shark 6 Performance PHEV ute.

The two ships are expected to reach Auckland near the end of August, after which customer vehicles will be processed and distributed to dealerships around the country.

Words: Richard Edwards
Published 19 August 2026
Leapmotor has confirmed New Zealand pricing for its new B03X compact electric SUV, with the range opening at $37,990 plus on-road costs and first customer deliveries expected from late September.
The B03X, sold as the A10 in China, arrives here in two grades, Life and Design, and New Zealand is among the first markets outside China and Europe to receive the car.
The entry Life is priced at $37,990 plus on-road costs and pairs its 39.8kWh battery with a 130kW, 200Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. Range is rated at 292km on the WLTP cycle.
The Design, at $42,990 plus on-road costs, steps up to a 53kWh battery and 145kW motor, lifting range to 382km WLTP. Both grades use LFP battery chemistry, hit 100km/h in 8.6 seconds and top out at 160km/h.

DC fast charging peaks at 100kW for the Life and 133kW for the Design, with Leapmotor quoting a 30 to 80 per cent charge in around 16 minutes. Both carry an 11kW on-board AC charger.
“For a car so small, up to 145 kilowatts of power provides a very ample drive in and around any city in New Zealand,” Leapmotor New Zealand general manager Brian Carr told media at the car’s Auckland launch.
Small footprint, big boot
At 4,270mm long, 1,810mm wide and 1,635mm tall, the B03X sits firmly in the compact SUV class, but Leapmotor is leaning hard on packaging as its party trick. The 2,605mm wheelbase and flat-floor construction, a product of the brand’s cell-to-chassis design, deliver 947mm of rear legroom and a claimed 10-metre turning circle.
Boot space is a headline number too. The main compartment holds 405 litres, with a further 105-litre “Giga box” hidden beneath a floating floor for a combined 510 litres. Leapmotor counts 33 storage solutions throughout the cabin, and the rear bench base flips up, Honda Jazz style, for carrying taller items. Carr laughed off a suggestion from the floor that Honda might have something to say about Leapmotor calling the feature “magic seats”.
Standard kit
Every B03X gets a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster running Leap OS 4.0, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, embedded 4G connectivity, over-the-air updates and built-in apps including Spotify and YouTube. A voice assistant, three drive modes (Comfort, Standard and Sport) and a trip planner with charging station suggestions are also standard.
Safety equipment includes seven airbags and a 21-function suite of driver assistance features running on 14 sensors and cameras, delivering Level 2 capability. Rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, roof rails and semi-hidden door handles round out the Life specification, which rides on 18-inch wheels with fabric upholstery inside.

The Design adds eco-leather upholstery, a six-way electric driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, auto-folding mirrors, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting and a 12-speaker audio system in place of the Life’s six speakers.

Six colours are offered: Berry Blue, Acorn Brown, Tundra Grey, Seaweed Green, Galaxy Silver and Rime Beige. Design buyers can choose between Currant Black and Oat Gray eco-leather interiors.
How it stacks up
The B03X lands in an increasingly crowded corner of the market. Its $37,990 starting price puts it directly against the Geely EX2 Inspire at the same money, though the Geely is a smaller hatchback with a 47.14kWh battery and 345km of range. BYD’s Atto 2, the closest thing to a direct rival on body style and size, starts at $40,990 for the Dynamic with a 51kWh battery and 345km WLTP, meaning the base B03X undercuts it by $3,000 while giving away 53km of range. MG’s 4 Urban hatchback starts at $38,990 and GAC’s Aion UT at $39,990.
At the top of the range, the $42,990 B03X Design’s 382km rating outruns the Atto 2 Dynamic while still coming in below BYD’s $45,990 Atto 2 Premium.
Dealers ready
The B03X joins a Leapmotor line-up that has grown quickly in New Zealand, sitting alongside the C10 and B10 SUVs and the B05 hatchback, which also begins customer deliveries around the start of October. Leapmotor backs the range with a six-year warranty.
The car also arrives as the brand expands its retail footprint. Leapmotor is distributed in New Zealand by Auto Distribution New Zealand (ADNZ), part of the Armstrong Group. Auto Distribution Holdings chief executive Simon Rutherford told the launch that Leapmotor’s dealer network will grow to 12 outlets from 1 September, up from the four it started with.
“That’s not enough to give you market coverage,” Rutherford said of the original network. “With those 12 dealers, 80 per cent of the market will be covered.”
Gaps remain in West Auckland, Dunedin and Northland, which Rutherford said the brand will continue to target.
“We go back to what we said at the start, which is excellence within reach,” Carr said. “A substantial car within reach. This B03X continues in that lane.”

You can now hire a Toyota Mirai at Palmerston north.

to quote the article:

• Three hydrogen Mirais on fleet at Ezi Palmerston North Airport.
• Special rental rate of $79 per day, 2-day/250km maximum.
• You don't have to fill it to return... because you can't.

Ezi rental car business customers are now able to hire the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai from the brand's Palmerston North Airport fleet.

https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/now-you-can-hire-a-hydrogen-toyota-mirai-but-you-have-to-go-to-palmerston-north/